The ABPC Blog

Some students begin their journey through middle and high school in high-visibility mode. They are active in class and in school life – “everybody knows their name.” But other students are at risk of getting lost in the crowd. Teachers in Florence City Schools have begun a proactive program to make sure every student is well-known and supported.

A recent post at the Corwin Connect blog celebrates the 10th anniversary of John Hattie’s Visible Learning, a groundbreaking study of “what works” in teaching and learning. Cathy Gassenheimer shares some highlights and urges practitioners who are working with Hattie’s research to read this important article.

Every once in a while, it’s good to pick up an “oldie but goody” book to reread. That’s what Cathy Gassenheimer did recently after someone mentioned Michael Fullan’s Six Secrets of Change. It focuses on moral purpose in organizations and how being intentional as we engage with others in meaningful and humble ways results in effective leadership and lasting improvement.

At the 2018 Learning Forward conference, leadership giant Meg Wheatley brought a mixed message to education leaders. American society faces very difficult times in the years ahead as systems teeter and begin to collapse. Yet, by claiming our leadership, we can create islands of hope and opportunities for transformation. Cathy Gassenheimer explains.

The proposed new Mathematics Course of Study has the potential “to give ALL students, not just the brightest ones, more access to rigorous standards and quality math education.” Tammy Dunn, Vice President for Academic Affairs for A+ College Ready, shares insights from committee members.

Megan Skipper, the new A+ Communications Director, brings fresh energy, ideas and diverse experiences to A+ Education Partnership, the Alabama Best Practices Center, and A+ College Ready. Learn more about Megan’s background, how to contribute your knowledge and insights to our work, and how to follow all of our programs across social media. Welcome to the family!

ABPC’s Cathy Gassenheimer interviews Birmingham native Mark Dixon about his new role as President of the A+ Education Partnership. “I want educators to know that A+ is in your corner. We want to see a quality teacher in every classroom for every child and a quality principal leading every school, and we want to work with you to make that happen.”

A recent analysis of federal data by the Florida-based Excel-in-Ed group exposes nationwide gaps in the College and Careers Pathway for some high school students. “The data reveal a disturbing pattern of inequity: as the percentage of minority or low-income populations in schools increases, access to core courses decreases.”

You might share the feeling that curiosity is not encouraged enough in our schools and among our children generally. And it’s not just a feeling – there’s research. A 2018 report from Gallup looked at several decades of data and found that students’ “youthful zest for discovery” dims a bit more with each school year. What can we do to keep the fires of curiosity burning from kindergarten to graduation?